HAMPDEN — State investigators looking into the cause of the fire that last week destroyed a 6,000-square foot home announced on Friday they are seeking assistance from the public in trying to piece together what happened prior to the fire.

The April 5 fire burned the house at 283 Somers Road to the ground. No one was injured.
Fire departments from around the area were dispatched to the scene to combat the fire.

The state Department of Fire Services on Friday issued a statement that said the fire remains under investigation by Hampden police and fire departments, and state police assigned to the office of Massachusetts Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.

Evidence has been secured by the investigative team for laboratory analysis, according to the statement. In the meantime, investigators are looking for any information the public may have to develop additional leads that will help them determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Anyone who was in the area of Somers Road between 6 and 10 p.m. on April 5 is being encouraged to call the state Arson Hotline at (800) 682-9229. The hotline is used to gather information from the public on fire investigations. Calls are confidential.

Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for state Fire Marshall Stephen D. Coan, said the request for assistance from the public does not mean the fire is considered suspicious in any way.

She said it has not been declared an arson.

Investigators are merely reaching out to see if anyone saw anything that may aid the investigation, she said.

The house and 50 acres of land were purchased in March by Craig J. Morel, the owner of C.J.’s Towing Unlimited Inc., for $850,000.